Policy

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)

13th Mar 2007

The Convention developed in 1989 and since ratified by every country in the world, except two (Somalia and the USA), spells out the basic human rights of children everywhere. These include: the right to survival; to develop to the fullest extent; to protection from harmful influences, abuse and expolitation; and to participate fully in family, cultural and social life. These rights are sometimes summed up as the 3 Ps:

Protection,
Provision, and
Participation

Children and Young People's Right to have a Voice is outlined in Article 12 of the Convention which says:

1. States Parties shall assure to the child who is capable of forming his or her own views the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child, the views of the child being given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child.

2. For this purpose, the child in particular be provided the opportunity to be heard in any judicial and administrative proceedings affecting the child, either directly, or through a representative or an appropriate body, in a manner consistent with the procedural rules of national law.

Article 12 is identified as one of the four general principles of the Convention which means its implementation is an integral part of the implementation of the other articles of the Convention as well as a free standing right of the child or young person.

Further Information

The Committee on the Rights of the Child held a general day of discussion in 2006 on 'The Right of the Child to be Heard'. This day sought to explore the meaning of article 12 and its links to several other articles. Particular attention was given to the implications of the article for child participation - both as individuals and as a collective group.

Link : Read the full text of the Convention

Link : Read the note from the Day of General Discussion

Previous Page...